Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex

Venue Overview

The Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex (CMSC) is a 400-acre public shooting range located near Fort Carson, operated as a partnership between the U.S. Army, El Paso County, the El Paso County Sheriff, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the U.S. Forest Service. Open to the public with no reservations required, CMSC sits just off Interstate 25 near mile marker 132, outside Fort Carson's Gate 20 security perimeter, so patrons never need to enter the base to use the range. With 9 independent ranges, more than 110 covered firing points, and over 50 pistol positions, it's one of the largest public shooting facilities in the Colorado Springs area.

About the Complex

CMSC offers a full range of shooting disciplines across its 9 independent ranges, with firing distances from 7 yards for handguns up to 300 yards on paper for rifles. The complex includes two combination trap and skeet ranges, two ranges built specifically for pistols with positions up to 50 yards, two ranges dedicated to rifles between 25 and 300 yards, a dedicated instructional range, and a full archery range. Range No. 1 is designated as a Law Enforcement Range and is available to the public on weekends. Steel targets from 500 to 1,000 yards are also part of the complex, though steel shooting is currently restricted until further safety approvals are complete. Despite its scale, CMSC is explicitly a non-tactical facility, designed as a safe, family-friendly environment for practicing marksmanship rather than tactical training.

Range Facilities

Firing points are available across handgun, rifle, shotgun, and archery disciplines, with target frames available on-site for $9 each or patrons may build and bring their own to the required specifications. Ammunition and targets are sold on-site, along with gun and bow rentals for those who want to try the range without their own equipment. Personally owned weapons storage and Federal Firearm License transfers are also available. Every range operates under strict safety protocols enforced by on-site Range Safety Officers, including required eye and ear protection, mandatory empty chamber indicators, and clear rules on firearm handling between the parking area and the firing line.

Amenities & Services

CMSC is open Wednesday through Sunday, with ammunition, targets, apparel, and basic supplies available for purchase on-site. The complex offers gun and bow rentals for visitors without their own equipment, along with Federal Firearm License transfer services and personally owned weapons storage. Concealed Carry Course (8-hour) and Concealed Carry Renewal Course (2-hour) classes are offered on a regular schedule and are state-approved for permit applicants, taught by instructors contracted through Fort Carson DFMWR.

Instruction & Training

CMSC offers a full slate of NRA instructional programs at both the student and instructor level, covering basic pistol, rifle, and shotgun courses, first steps orientation courses, home firearms safety, personal protection in and outside the home, range safety officer certification, and reloading courses for both metallic cartridges and shotgun shells. All instruction on the range is taught exclusively by instructors contracted through Fort Carson DFMWR; freelance or independent instruction is not permitted on-site. Patrons interested in private lessons, group training, or NRA certification courses are encouraged to call the range directly to check current course schedules and availability.

Tournaments & Events

CMSC runs a full calendar of recurring events for shooters of all experience levels. Monthly offerings include a Kids' Marksmanship Camp on the first Saturday from April through September, a free entry day for women on the second Saturday year-round, discounted entry for Concealed Handgun Permit holders on the third Saturday, and discounted youth entry on the fourth Saturday. Yearly themed shoots include the Cupid Shuffle Shoot in February, the Spring Steel Shoot in April, Mother's Day and Memorial Day Shoots in May, a Father's Day Shoot in June, an Independence Day Shoot in July, a Labor Day Shoot in September, Columbus Day and Great Pumpkin Shoots in October, and Veteran's Day and Turkey Shoots in November. Beyond themed shoots, the complex regularly hosts tournaments, leagues, competitions, group training sessions, and even birthday parties and gender reveal events.

Planning Your Event Here

CMSC's scale and variety of ranges make it a distinctive setting for group outings, from corporate team-building days to bachelor and bachelorette parties and gender reveal celebrations. The complex's staff can help coordinate group bookings, rentals, and range assignments for private events, and its non-tactical, family-friendly atmosphere makes it approachable for groups that include first-time shooters alongside experienced ones. Anyone interested in scheduling a group event can contact the range managers directly to check availability and discuss options.

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